NEW YORK (TIP): The Nartanrang Dance Academy of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan held its annual dance production, Nritya Ranjani, at the Hindu Temple Auditorium in Queens, New York, on Sunday, June 22nd, 2014. Choreographer and director Swati Vaishnav incorporated a unanimously loved theme into the show: the music of maestro AR Rahman.

The students of Nartanrang performed to popular and classic AR Rahman numbers such as “Taal Se Taal Mila,” “Jai Ho,” & “Ruth Aa Gayee Re,” while also adding a few unconventional songs into the mix such as “O Saya” from Slumdog Millionaire, “Innisai” from Tamil blockbuster Varalaru, & “Keep The Hustle” from Million Dollar Arm.

Consul General Dyaneshwar M. Mulay presents a certificate to a participant. Also seen is Dr. Navin Mehta, chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New York

Dances were choreographed by Swati and Siddhi Vaishnav. The students were visibly excited in having the opportunity to dance to such chart-toppers, but what was more notable was the energy and passion for the art of dance that was palpable to the audience all throughout the evening. From the first-time stage performers in the minor group to the stalwarts of the adult group, all of Nartanrang’s disciples proved that the stage is where they were meant to be.

The vivid & colorful costume design and the exuberance and interactive stylings of emcee Monty Kataria only added to the overall grandeur of the show. The most spectacular surprise of the evening was a personal video message recorded by musical genius Mr. AR Rahman himself, specifically for Nartanrang Dance Academy, that was played at the halfway point of the event.

Mr. Rahman apologized for not being able to be present at the show due to numerous prior commitments, and generously wished the students the best of luck and imparted the knowledge that all you need to succeed is perseverance and hard work.

Choreographer and director of Nritya Ranjani Swati Vaishnav, with a group of performers

“Nartanrang Dance Academy is the only school of its kind to offer a graduation certificate for students who attend the school for five consecutive years and then go on to complete a small apprenticeship during their last year.

Nritya Ranjani Performers

Graduates then perform solo pieces as well as a group graduate piece at the recital and receive trophies and graduate certificates”, said Swati. This year’s graduates, Pooja Pandya, Chandni Patel, Ami Zala, and Anuja Desai, showcased their achievement in beautiful and touching performances.

Consul General of India in New York, Dnyaneshwar Mulay who was the chief guest gave away trophies to the winners. Nartanrang Dance Academy of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is a school dedicated to preserving our Indian heritage and providing newer generations with a keener insight into our rich & ancient culture. Students range from ages 5-55 and all levels are welcome. Nritya Ranjani 2015 is tentatively scheduled to take place on June 28th. For more information, please e-mail Swati at vaishnavswati55@gmail.com.